DISCLAIMER:

This duty is currently under review and has not yet been formally signed off by the relevant professional association. The information provided is for reference only and should not be treated as final or authoritative guidance. Please verify any decisions against approved sources or seek professional advice. Updates will be published once sign-off is complete.

Simple terms explainer

Councils are responsible for deciding who gets access to social housing and how homes are allocated. This includes managing transfers, where people already living in council or housing association homes ask to move to a different property, and allocations, where new applicants are offered housing. Councils must follow fair and transparent rules to make sure homes go to people who need them most - such as those who are homeless, living in overcrowded conditions, or have health needs. This helps ensure housing is used fairly and effectively across the community.

Legal status

Statutory


Duty category

Housing


Duty type

Organisational


Social determinant of health

Neighbourhood and environment

Emerging policy and legislation


0

Bodies with shared interest

Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers (ALACHO)

Standards and frameworks

1